Analysis of the Challenges and Opportunities of Hydrokinetic Turbine Development Affecting the US Army Corps of Engineers

Abstract : National energy policy supports increased development of green (renewable) energy to lessen dependence on petroleum-based fuels and reduce their attendant environmental impacts. One family of renewable energy technologies experiencing increased national interest is hydrokinetic turbines. Hydrokinetic turbines include systems that convert waves, tides, and river flow (without impoundment) into electric energy. River hydrokinetic turbines (hereafter referred to as kinetic energy turbines (KETs)) were the focal point of a recent workshop, although hydrokinetic turbines in estuarine or coastal settings may also impact US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) missions.